In just a few short days, our streets will be crawling with witches, ghosts, zombies and vampires scurrying about in jack-o-lanterns’ dim light. They’ll knock at our door, calling out for treats. For many health-conscious people, Halloween can be a nightmare. Mountains of sugary treats containing artificial flavours, artificial colouring and unhealthy fats are given away. These can cause stomachaches, headaches and blood sugar imbalances … and cranky little goblins. What’s a healthy, eco-friendly mama monster to do?

Garlic doesn’t just make your cooking smell delicious and your meals taste better – tap into the healing power of garlic with this rich and healthy soup. By ethicalDeal guest blogger and Registered Holistic Nutritionist Genevieve Blanchet.

Garlic is one of those wonder foods that somehow manages to do everything – its pungent, sweet flavour makes food taste great, it’s a versatile ingredient and equally good whether fried, roasted, or used fresh, and it’s also extremely good for you. It can be used to combat Type 2 diabetes and to lower arterial tension. It has been used for centuries as a powerful antiseptic, as a remedy against worms, and regulator of cholesterol levels. Garlic also tonifies the spleen, stomach, kidneys and lungs for improved organ function. But remember, if you’re sharing this with a special someone … if one eats garlic, both must eat garlic. If you know what we mean.

The days are shorter and the leaves are starting to yellow. Fall has arrived and it’s time to nourish your body for the colder season. With the abundance of colourful vegetables and fresh culinary herbs this time of year, it’s easy to create soups and stews to warm up and nurture yourself during the fall and winter. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients makes a soup a therapeutic dish to maintain or restore your health. This hearty classic lentil and butternut squash vegan soup recipe will nourish your family and brighten up those grey days.